Pres. Marcos Jr. acknowledges contributions of Japanese firms in state visit

MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Junior acknowledged the “foundational contributions” of Japanese firms in the Philippines — including Toyota and Mitsubishi — in his recent state visit to the Land of the Rising Sun. 

During the high-level Tokyo business roundtable meeting, the country’s leader thanked Japanese investors for their continued confidence in the Philippine economy and for helping create high-quality opportunities for Filipino workers and industries. 

Other stories: Mitsubishi Motors PH to unveil all-new Outlander at PIMS 2026? Subaru PH to bring Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid Geely Motor PH rolls out ‘Your Next Phone Could Be Your Next Ride’ raffle

“You are no longer just investors in our economy. You are builders of it,” President Marcos told the business leaders. 

TMP, MMPC 

Among the Japanese brands that have steady operations in the Philippines are the automakers’ local subsidiaries, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC). 

Both have factories in Santa Rosa, Laguna and produce models that are sold in the archipelago. 

For TMP, the marque builds the nameplates Toyota Vios, considered as one of the most popular sedans in the Philippines; Innova, a staple in the nation’s multi-purpose vehicle segment; and Tamaraw, a returning iconic model that continues to serve small businesses and large enterprises, as well as motorists who opt to use the light commercial vehicle for their lifestyle needs. 

On the other hand, MMPC also assembles units locally, specifically the Mitsubishi Mirage, a subcompact hatchback that has been one of the “first cars” of many Filipino motorists; the Mirage G4, a subcompact sedan that serves many small families; and L300, a workhorse that has proven itself time and time again. 

Further, MMPC has expressed its intent to manufacture new-energy vehicles locally. Per the brand, the target year is by 2028. 

The Zigwheels Philippines editorial team discussed the said topic, and more, in our previous monthly wrap video below: 

Other Japanese brands in PH 

Aside from the abovementioned, there are also several Japanese brands that have manufacturing and assembly businesses in the Philippines. 

For one, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) maintains operations in the country. Also located in the Laguna Technopark zone, the brand assembles various commercial models in its plant. 

You can check out IPC’s extensive lineup of light- and heavy-duty trucks in the video below: 

In the two-wheeler category, among those who make bikes here is Honda Philippines Incorporated — Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated’s motorcycle division — which produces the Click125 in its plant at Tanauan, Batangas. 

On top of serving local motorcycle enthusiasts, the company also expanded its export operations to supply Honda Click125 small-displacement motorcycles to NCX Company Limited — the exclusive manufacturer, distributor, and assembler of Honda motorcycles in Cambodia and Laos. 

For a quick look at the Honda Click125, check the short clip below: 

Other brands that have local footholds include: 

• Suzuki Philippines Incorporated 
• Yamaha Motor Philippines Incorporated 
• Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation 

Assuring Japanese partners of the administration’s continuous push to improve institutional efficiency and long-term investment stability, the President added, “We are modernizing institutions, environment, and positioning the Philippines so that trade and tourism can more strongly drive long-term economic growth and job creation.”

“To all our Japanese partners, you know the Philippines not from reports, but from experience. You know our workforce: skilled, adaptable, and globally competitive…resilient in adversity, ambitious in opportunity, and increasingly connected to global trade and tourism flows. And you know something even more fundamental: That the Philippines is defined not by one strength — but by many working together,” he concluded. 

Also read: 

Gov’t shares ‘new’ funding solution for CARS program amid PBBM veto

Next-gen Toyota Tamaraw presented to PBBM

PH now under ‘state of national energy emergency’, PBBM declares

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/